By Rukayat Adeyemi/Aderonke Ojediran
Dignitaries at the opening of the 5th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions held on Tuesday in Lagos
Lagos, Dec. 10, 2024
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Tuesday advocated Public-private collaboration to drive innovation, finance sustainable projects, and create inclusive regulations.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the opening of the fifth edition of the Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions held in Lagos.
The theme of the conference is,”Reimagining Lagos Landscape and Ensuring Sustainable Real Estate Development Practices”.
He said that achieving a sustainable future is not a task for the government alone, but a collective action.
According to him, such mutual collaboration will ensure that opportunities for growth are accessible to women, the youth, and marginalised communities.
Sanwo-Olu noted that preparation for the next generation stake holding in real estate demands must commence in earnest.
“This is as we navigate an era marked by rapid technological advancement-shifting economic realities, and urgent environmental challenges.
“Real estate is not just about structures; it is a cornerstone of our economy, a driver of social equity, and a critical element in sustainable urban planning.
“Together, we must embrace this responsibility. The choices we make today will shape the legacy we leave behind for future generations,” he said.
The governor stated that the state government was steadfast in its efforts to build a thriving real estate sector by prioritising human capital development to ensure a skilled platform capable of driving innovation.
Sanwo-Olu said that the state was equally committed to establishing sustainable regulations that protect practitioners and consumers.
He also said that such regulations would be foster an integrated ecosystem that links housing development with transportation, technology, agriculture, health, and youth development.
“We consistently draw inspiration from global trends and best practices to inform our policies and programmes.
“We understand that the pace of change is accelerating, and partnerships with private sector players are essential.
“This forum is an opportunity to co-create pathways for upskilling and reskilling the workforce while ensuring the sector’s accessibility and sustainability.
“Our commitment to collaboration and progress has yielded significant outcomes,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that at the fourth Marketplace in 2023 how stakeholders proposed a number of impactful ideas, including the establishment of a comprehensive developer database to enhance transparency.
He further reminded that the forum recommended the implementation of measures to improve safety and consumer protection, and the reduction of bureaucracy in development permits to streamline processes.
He hinted that the state government had made considerable strides in addressing these recommendations.
The governor said that the ongoing initiatives reflect is a reflection of government’s determination to integrate sustainability into every facet of real estate development.
He also spoke on investment in renewable energy, advancing intermodal transportation systems, promotion of technology-driven urban planning, and sustainable housing solutions.
He said, “We are laying the groundwork for a Lagos that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility and social equity.
“As we deliberate on the future of real estate in Lagos, let us commit to equipping ourselves and our successors with the knowledge, tools, and resources to build a state that is equitable, prosperous, and sustainable.
“We are your partners in this journey, your strongest enablers, and your allies in creating a thriving business environment.
“Let us seize this moment to drive meaningful change and lay the foundation for a brighter future,” Sanwo-Olu charged.
